Question

When Delaney asks Harvey to give him the cookies from his lunch, Harvey says no. Delaney tells him he is mean. Delaney's negative evaluations have created conditions of worth in Harvey. These conditions of worth may influence the development of Harvey's personality, according to a. psychodynamic theory b. expectancy theory c. the five-factor theory d. the person-centered approach

Short answer

The correct answer is d: The Person-Centered Approach. Delaney's negative evaluations create conditions of worth in Harvey, which may influence his personality development according to the Person-Centered Approach developed by Carl Rogers.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the psychodynamic theory

Psychodynamic theories are based on Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic concept that human behavior is the result of interactions among various components of the mind (the id, ego, and superego). These theories suggest that some behaviors are driven by unconscious forces or repressed experiences from childhood. However, their focus on unconscious forces and childhood experiences does not suggest that external evaluations or conditions of worth influence the development of personality. So, option a doesn't fit.

Understand the expectancy theory

Expectancy Theory proposes a link between individual's goals, their assessment of their ability to meet said goals, and their subsequent behavior. It suggests that individuals are motivated to act in certain ways based on their expectations of achieving desirable outcomes. However, this theory does not specifically address the concept of conditions of worth or their impact on personality development. So, option b is not suitable.

Understand the five-factor theory

The Five-Factor Theory of personality, also known as the Big Five, describes personality in terms of five broad dimensions: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. While these characteristics may be influenced by external evaluations to some extent, the Five-Factor Theory does not emphasize conditions of worth as a central factor in shaping personality. Therefore, option c doesn't seem to fit.

Understand the person-centered approach

The Person-Centered Approach, developed by Carl Rogers, posits that self-concept is central to personality development, and that inconsistency between self-concept and reality can lead to psychological discomfort. Importantly, Rogers believed that conditions of worth, coming from societal and personal pressure, could restrict the natural development of personality. Delaney's negative evaluations (calling Harvey mean) create a condition of worth (Harvey considering himself as mean), which according to this approach could influence Harvey's personality development.

Identify the right theory for the described situation

Given that Rogers' Person-Centered Approach centers around the idea of conditions of worth influencing personality development, the situation described in the exercise would be best explained by this theory. Therefore, the correct answer is d: The Person-Centered Approach.

Key concepts

Conditions of Worth

In the lens of person-centered psychology, conditions of worth are external expectations imposed upon an individual, which must be met in order to receive respect and love. Generally, parents and society set benchmarks that dictate how one should act to earn appreciation and avoid criticism.

Conditions of worth are potent in shaping self-concept, the way one perceives and defines oneself, as they often lead people to base their self-worth on fulfilling these imposed criteria rather than their own intrinsic values.

Example in Everyday Life

For instance, if a child is repeatedly told they are valuable only when they achieve high grades, they might begin to think they're worthy as a person solely because of their academic success, neglecting other aspects of their unique identity.

Negative Impact on Personality

In the context of the given exercise, Harvey faces a condition of worth that could potentially affect his self-esteem and self-perception if he starts to believe Delaney's negative evaluation that he is 'mean' for not sharing cookies.

Personality Development

Personality development encompasses the growth and changes in one's character throughout life, influenced by a mix of factors, including biological predispositions, environmental conditions, and social interactions. It is considered an enduring pattern of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that define an individual.

Through the stages of life, personality traits get refined as people navigate relationships, challenges, and personal achievements. It involves the evolution of self-concept, esteem, and the ways in which one relates to the world.

Role of Conditions of Worth

Conditions of worth can play a critical role in personality development. For example, if a person feels they need to conform to societal standards to be accepted, their personality might develop around these standards, suppressing traits that do not align with them.

Carl Rogers

Carl Rogers was an influential American psychologist and one of the founding figures of humanistic psychology. His person-centered approach emphasized the importance of the individual's subjective experience and the inherent capacity for self-actualization – the fulfillment of one's full potential.

Rogers asserted that individuals thrive in an environment that provides genuineness, acceptance, and empathy – the core conditions for therapeutic change. He introduced the concept of 'unconditional positive regard', meaning people should be accepted and loved without conditions of worth.

Influence in Therapy

Rogers' work revolutionized counseling and psychotherapy by suggesting the therapist's role is to provide support that empowers individuals to understand their feelings and solve their problems, rather than analyzing and directing them.